"We, the Christian minority in Palestine can be seen as a most tolerant community. In history we have lived together, suffered together and have starved and worked together for peace with people of faith different from ours. The relations between Christians and Muslims in Palestine can be an example for the world of how we fought for the national cause in solidarity with each other."
Similar thoughts were shared by Oberg-Sadjedi: "I believe it is possible to reach peace through religion. History shows us time and again that conflict between different people is mostly created as a result of political and economical manipulation, not religious differences. The values of a religion can inspire the peace process in the most crucial ways. In the US interfaith dialogue opened the doors of understanding and tolerance in a climate of post-9/11 fear."
Understanding and accepting the 'other'
"Dialogue in this event has made us learn from each other, educate ourselves and listen to the diverse voices. This can be called a first step in peacemaking, where dialogue creates a deeper understanding of how we understand the 'other'." said Habash.
"Dialogue is a way to approach and understand the 'other', it is essential as [the] 'other' is also part of the 'truth'," she added. "Breaking the barriers through interfaith dialogue makes us realise that we can accept the 'others', and we are not the only ones with the 'truth'."
Women's perspectives strongly influenced how the meeting addressed issues which hinder peacemaking in communities and societies. "Being a woman influences the way we communicate with each other. Women do speak differently when we are alone together, and we tend to approach the issues from a cultural and social aspect as well. We are able to share about the problems that concern us and initiate dialogue in a unique way," said Oberg-Sadjedi.
"Religion is an educational process and a way to organise ourselves and communities. Women have a great potential in making a difference to this process," Habash added.
When asked what she as a woman peacemaker would like to communicate to the world, Oberg-Sadjedi pleaded to break down stereotypes related to the religion in the media: "As a filmmaker with a bicultural background who has lived in three continents I have a unique way of seeing the whole picture. When you are a global citizen you have a huge stake in the peace process. It is impossible to see things as either black or white. I have a responsibility to communicate and mediate between the cultures I feel I belong to."
Naveen Qayyum is a documentary filmmaker and a member of the church of Pakistan. She is currently working on a film project on Muslim immigrant communities in Europe. Qayyum is a member of the WCC Christian-Muslim women network.
